Editorial: Tough road ahead in Washingtonville

The first critical step has been taken — residents in the Village of Washingtonville overwhelmingly voted their nightmare mayor out of office. But there are significant hurdles ahead to restore dignity, accountability and effectiveness to the village's government.

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recordonline.com

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Posted Mar. 26, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Posted Mar. 26, 2013 at 2:00 AM

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The first critical step has been taken — residents in the Village of Washingtonville overwhelmingly voted their nightmare mayor out of office. But there are significant hurdles ahead to restore dignity, accountability and effectiveness to the village's government.

The champagne bubbles barely went flat for mayor-elect David Heintz when signs of the struggles ahead appeared. News that the Orange County District Attorney's office was looking into possible criminal activity by Washingtonville officials or employees during outgoing-Mayor Kevin Hudson's tenure became officially known. And that news was framed by a blunt letter exchange between District Attorney Frank Phillips and Hudson, prompted by Hudson's March 7 letter in which he implied the DA was part of a conspiracy.

In his letter, the mayor demanded to know why the DA's office has not investigated Hudson's theft, extortion and embezzlement claims against a former village employee and sitting village official. Hudson went on to allege a "continued conspiracy involving village and county officials, and local media."

Phillips' written reply to Hudson and board members included this suggestion: "Given what appears to be the apparent lack of understanding, or willful failure to follow, provisions of the Village Law, and other applicable state and local laws pertaining to the governance of a village, I strongly urge all of you to seek appropriate guidance from the village attorney."

When the new leadership takes over April 1, Hudson will have left behind a tenure of constant turmoil. He rushed to demolish Village Hall, hired his brother and business partner in violation of Civil Service law and managed a sneaky pay raise for himself, to name a few of his greatest hits.

In fact, the scope of Hudson's reckless management of village affairs can fill pages. But what should concern village residents most is the land mines that the new administration now must navigate through — and keep the village moving forward at the same time.

Upon acknowledging his defeat last week, Hudson said: "I can only hope the truth becomes transparent."

And that's exactly what the revamped Village Board should be worried about. What messy trails is this mayor leaving behind that become the work of the village to clean up? And at what cost?

Heintz, who handily defeated Hudson in last week's election, is taking a good first step by vowing to meet with the village attorney to ensure that records are kept secure. Accountability at every turn would be a good guiding principle for the new board to embrace in the months and years ahead.